Mon Jan 27 12:50:00 UTC 2025: **Senate Republicans and Democrats Condemn Recent Presidential Pardons**
Washington D.C. – The recent use of presidential pardon power by both former President Trump and President Biden has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) stated that President Trump’s pardons of January 6th rioters convicted of violent crimes were a “mistake,” suggesting it sends the wrong message about acceptable behavior. He linked this to President Biden’s pardons of family members, expressing concern that the overuse of pardon power could lead to a reevaluation of the practice.
Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) echoed Graham’s concerns, arguing that President Biden’s pardons set a dangerous precedent, implying that any future White House occupant’s family could expect impunity for wrongdoing.
Trump’s pardons, issued shortly after his inauguration, covered approximately 1,500 supporters convicted or pleading guilty to various offenses related to the January 6th Capitol riot, including violent crimes. While Graham acknowledged that Trump had promised these pardons during his campaign, he reiterated his opposition to pardoning individuals convicted of violent acts. The controversy highlights a growing bipartisan concern over the potential abuse of the presidential pardon power.
First Piper 